Ohio smoking ban fines remain unpaid

Complaints decline, compliance increases but more than $2 million still owed

10:46 PM,
Dec. 30, 2012

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Five years after Ohio voters banned smoking in bars and businesses, more than $2 million in fines remain unpaid - many from owners flouting the law.

Since the Smoke-Free Workplace Act took effect in 2007, the Ohio Department of Health has received more than 64,600 complaints, including 459 in Coshocton County, which amounts to 12.4 complaints per 1,000 residents.

During the past five years, complaints have declined as compliance improved, but collection of unpaid fines still lags. ...